Actor Profile

Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party

Abolitionist party founded in 2015 to end the Senedd. Rebranded as Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party and led by Paul Ashton.

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Anti-Devolutionorganisation

Why Included?

Explicit abolitionist movement targeting the Senedd's legitimacy

Statements

Party statement - joining Abolish

2023-05-01

Party messaging during recruitment and consolidation of anti-devolution supporters.

The party argued that supporters wanted an end to devolution and positioned itself as the vehicle for abolitionist voices in Welsh politics.

Direct quotes

  • "We surveyed all the party's registered supporters to ask what they wanted for the future. Two thirds of them wanted Abolish and an end to devolution. So, I am joining the Abolish the Assembly Party to help give those opposed to devolution a proper voice in Welsh politics."

ITV News Wales interview - Scrap the Senedd: Inside the fight to end devolution

2024-10-22

ITV Wales investigation into the anti-devolution movement.

Paul Ashton said the 2026 election should be treated as a referendum on abolition and suggested the party would fold if a major party offered a referendum on devolution.

Direct quotes

  • "If a major party came along and offered the people of Wales a referendum on devolution and fully supported its abolition, then Abolish would fold tomorrow and support that party."
  • "If people don't want to vote for us or the abolishment of devolution, then we will fold as a party."

Press release on Conservative Party leadership

2024-10-23

Statement aimed at pressuring Conservatives toward an anti-devolution stance.

The party said 25 years of devolution had been an abject failure and called for abolition as the logical conclusion.

Direct quotes

  • "It's no secret that we at Abolish want to get rid of the Welsh Assembly/Senedd as we do not believe it benefits the people of Wales. This is supported by 25 years of abject failure, with devolution damaging the economic and social wellbeing of our citizens."

Social media campaigns - start of 2025

2025-01-01

Social media messaging highlighting perceived waste and public service failures.

The party highlighted spending on international relations and health service incidents to argue devolution was a failure.

Direct quotes

  • "Scurvy in Wales 2025 on the increase! This is what devolution has brought about - an 18th century disease to our children. 2026 vote Abolish and end this madness."
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